• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    GAS VENTILATION It consists of an end connector, flexible tubing, riser and a method of producing them. Also described is a method of venting gas from the annular spaces of a flexible pipe. The end connector includes a first ventilation flow fluid communication path. The end connector is capable of allowing the gas to be vented from a flexible pipe body with two annular regions.
    公开号:BR112014000155B1
    申请号:R112014000155-3
    申请日:2012-04-27
    公开日:2020-12-22
    发明作者:Andrew Peter Roberts；Judimar Clevelario
    申请人:Ge Oil & Gas Uk Limited；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Field of the Invention
    [001] The present invention relates to gas ventilation. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to the venting of gas from a flexible pipe, including a flexible pipe body and one or more end connectors, and also to the end connector itself and the pipe. - flexible relationship. Ventilation helps to prevent the accumulation of gases that permeate into the flexible pipe body from fluids, such as oil or gas being transported, and helps to reduce the risk of said flexible pipe body collapsing.
    [002] Traditionally, flexible tubing is used to transport production fluids, such as oil and / or gas and / or water, from one location to another. Flexible piping is particularly useful in connecting an underwater location (which can be deep water) to a location at sea level. The flexible tubing is generally formed as a set of a flexible tubing body and one or more end connectors. The flexible tubing is typically formed as a combination of layers of materials that form a pressure-containing duct. The piping structure allows for large deflections without causing bending moments that impair the pipeline's functionality during its useful life. The pipe body is generally constructed as a combined structure including metallic and polymeric layers.
    [003] During the operation, the production fluids are transported along an internal hole in the flexible pipe. These production fluids can contain or comprise gas. If a fluid retention layer within it used to contain fluids allows such a gas to permeate through it, the gas can be collected within the layers of the flexible pipe body. Generally speaking, the fluid retention layer is made up of a material that prevents migration out of the production fluids. However, over time, the gas may slowly permeate through the fluid retention layer and radially outward to an annular region beyond the fluid retention layer. The annular region extends to the next generally impermeable layer. The gas will tend to accumulate in the annular region, and if that gas is not released, the accumulation of pressure (overpressure of the gas in the annular spaces) can cause failure of the flexible piping. This is also a problem for flexible pipes that can be depressurized during use, that is, when fluid is stopped from flowing through the pipe bore, which can occur for several reasons. Fundamentals of the Invention
    [004] WO 2010/067092 describes an arrangement suitable for ventilating an annular region of flexible tubing. Generally, the flexible tubing and the end connector include specific features, such as a ventilation path, which allows the accumulated gas to be expelled into the atmosphere.
    [005] However, some known techniques for venting gases are unable to ventilate gases accumulated in certain regions of a flexible pipe, or they can be complex or expensive. There is no known method for preventing pressure buildup in a flexible tubing body that has two annular spaces (that is, a first annular space located between a fluid retention layer and a sealing layer; and a second annular space) between the sealing layer and an outer sheath layer.
    [006] Some known techniques require an operator to actively monitor the pressure of the gas in the annular space and open and close the release valves to relieve the pressure of the gas accumulated in the annular space.
    [007] In addition, the transport of production fluids is known to often lead to the various layers of flexible tubing subjected to relatively acidic conditions. Such “acid” service is due to the migration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) along with other species, such as CO2, from the inner hole of the tubing radially outward. This is a result of some production fluids containing relatively high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas in solution or in gaseous form. Under such circumstances over time, hydrogen sulfide and other gas species, such as CO2, permeate through the fluid retention layer in the annular regions defined between the layers of the flexible pipe body. H2O and CO2 accumulate in these annular regions and gradually increase the acidity (reduce the pH) of the environment in these regions. The metallic components, for example, the tapes that form the pressure protection layer and / or the tensile protection layer in these annular regions, are thus subjected to an increase in acid corrosion, which, if not smoothed, could lead to extremely high corrosion rates and possibly failure. It is also clear that the end connections potentially include many parts of metal components, and could also be subjected to an acidic environment.
    [008] Such an acidic service environment can affect the overall performance of a flexible pipeline over time. This can lead to reduced life expectancy or even failure of the flexible tubing during use. A known technique is to use “acid service materials” for potentially vulnerable components of flexible tubing. This typically involves using a yarn that has undergone hot / cold work during manufacture, and / or has corrosion resistant additives added. These acidic threads are more expensive than standard threads, unworked threads (also called sweet threads for use in non-acidic environments). Acid yarns are also weaker than sweet yarns, indicating the need for more material to compensate for the reduction in yarn strength. Summary of the Invention
    [009] It is an objective of the present invention to at least partially alleviate the problems mentioned above.
    [010] It is an objective of the modalities of the present invention to provide an arrangement in which the flexible pipe body is less likely to be overpressurized by gas accumulation.
    [011] It is an objective of the modalities of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of venting the gas from a flexible pipe body with two annular regions, and a method of ventilation of such flexible pipe body.
    [012] It is an objective of modalities of the present invention to provide a flexible tubing that is less expensive and lighter than certain known flexible tubing.
    [013] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an end connector suitable for venting gas from the annular spaces of a flexible pipe body connected thereto is provided, comprising: a first fluid communication path ventilation flow to connect, in fluid communication, an internal annular region of the flexible pipe body and an outlet port on the outside of the end connector; and an additional ventilation flow fluid communication path to connect, in fluid communication, to an external annular region of the flexible tubing body and said outlet port or to an additional outlet port outside the connector. far end.
    [014] In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, an end connector suitable for venting gas from the annular spaces of a flexible pipe body connected to it is provided, comprising: a first fluid communication path ventilation flow to connect, in fluid communication, an internal annular region of the flexible pipe body and an outlet port on the outside of the end connector; an additional ventilation flow fluid communication path for connecting, in fluid communication, an external annular region of the flexible tubing body and either said outlet port or to an additional outlet port outside the end connector ; and a non-return valve provided on the way in additional ventilation flow fluid communication to inhibit gas entry into the outer annular region from the end connector.
    [015] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for providing an end connector suitable for venting gas from the annular spaces of a flexible pipe body connected thereto, comprising: providing a first ventilation flow fluid communication path to connect, in fluid communication, an internal annular region of the flexible tubing body and an outlet port outside the end connector; provide an additional ventilation flow fluid communication path to connect, in fluid communication, an external annular region of the flexible tubing body and either said outlet port or an additional outlet port outside the end connector ; and providing a non-return valve on the way in additional ventilation flow fluid communication to inhibit gas entry into the outer annular region from the end connector.
    [016] In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a method of venting gas from the annular spaces of a flexible pipe is provided, comprising: connecting, in fluid communication, an internal annular region of the pipe body flexible and an outlet port of an end connector assembly, at which an end of said flexible pipe body is terminated; connect, in fluid communication, an external annular region of the flexible pipe body and either said outlet port or an additional outlet port of the end connector assembly; and inhibit the entry of gas into the outer annular region from the end connector assembly via a non-return valve. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a methodology and an apparatus for reducing pressure development in the annular regions of a flexible pipe, allowing the gas to be vented from the annular regions of a flexible pipe body. Certain modalities provide an arrangement in which a flexible pipe is less expensive and lighter than known flexible pipes. Certain embodiments provide an arrangement in which some acid service wires from a flexible tubing body can be replaced with sweet service wires. Brief Description of Drawings
    [017] The modalities of the invention are further described below with respect to the attached drawings, in which:
    [018] FIG. 1 illustrates a flexible tubing body.
    [019] FIG. 2 illustrates a riser assembly.
    [020] FIG. 3 illustrates a flexible pipe end connector.
    [021] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged part of part of FIG. 3.
    [022] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged part of part of FIG. 3.
    [023] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged part of part of FIG. 3.
    [024] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged part of FIG. 3.
    [025] FIG. 8 illustrates an additional end connector of a flexible tubing.
    [026] FIG. 9 illustrates an additional end connector of a flexible tubing.
    [027] FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged part of part of FIG. 9.
    [028] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged part of part of FIG. 9.
    [029] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic representation of the ventilation paths of FIG. 3.
    [030] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic representation of the ventilation paths of FIG. 8.
    [031] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic representation of the ventilation paths of FIG. 9.
    [032] In the drawings, similar reference numbers refer to similar parts. Detailed Description of the Invention
    [033] Throughout this description, reference will be made to a flexible pipe. It is understood that a flexible pipe is an assembly of a part of a pipe body and one or more end connectors, at each of which a respective end of the pipe body ends. FIG. 1 illustrates how the pipe body 100 is formed from a combination of layered materials that form a pressure-containing duct. Although a number of particular layers are illustrated in FIG. 1, it is understood that the present invention is widely applicable to coaxial tubing body structures including two or more layers manufactured from a variety of possible materials. Note also that the thickness of the layers are shown for illustrative purposes only.
    [034] As illustrated in FIG.1, a pipe body includes an optional innermost shell layer 101. The shell provides an internal locking construction that can be used as the innermost layer to prevent, in whole or in part, a collapse of an internal pressure sheath 102 due to the decompression of the pipeline, external pressure, and the pressure of protection against traction and mechanical crushing loads. It is appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention are applicable to 'smooth drilling' operations (i.e., without a housing), as well as 'rough drilling' applications (with a housing).
    [035] The internal pressure sheath 102 acts as a fluid retention layer and comprises a polymeric layer that ensures the integrity of the internal fluid. It is understood that this layer can comprise a number of sublayers. It is appreciated that when the optional housing layer is used, the internal pressure sheath is often called by those skilled in the art of a protective layer. In operation without such a housing (so-called smooth drilling operation), the internal pressure sheath can be called a seal liner.
    [036] An optional pressure protection layer 103 is a structural layer with a tensile angle close to 90o that increases the resistance of the flexible pipe to internal and external pressure and to crushing mechanical loads. The layer also structurally supports the internal pressure sheath, and typically consists of an internal locking construction.
    [037] The flexible tubing body also includes an optional first tensile protection layer 105 and an optional second tensile protection layer 106. Each tensile protection layer is a structural layer with a tensile angle typically between 10o and 55o. Each layer is used to support tensile loads and internal pressure. Strain protection layers are often rolled up in pairs.
    [038] The flexible tubing body shown also includes optional layers of tape 104 that help to contain the underlying layers and to prevent to some degree abrasion between adjacent layers.
    [039] The flexible tubing body also typically includes optional insulation layers 107 and an outer sheath 108, which comprises an extruded polymer layer used to protect the tubing from the penetration of seawater and other external environments, corrosion , abrasion and mechanical damage.
    [040] In addition, the flexible tubing body can also include a sealing layer (not shown in FIG. 1) between the inner pressure sheath 102 and the outer sheath 108. The sealing layer can be, for example , made of extruded polymer, and can be used to wrap the pressure protection layer 103 in order to give the pipe body an increased resistance to collapse. The sealing layer can provide containment of production fluid if the inner pressure sheath is broken, or provide containment if the outer sheath is broken.
    [041] Each flexible pipe comprises at least one part, sometimes called a segment or section of the pipe body 100 together with an end connector located on at least one end of said flexible pipe. An end connector provides a mechanical device that forms the transition between the flexible pipe body and a connector. The different layers of tubing shown, for example, in FIG. 1 are terminated at the end connector in order to transfer the load between the flexible tubing and the connector.
    [042] FIG. 2 illustrates a riser assembly 200 suitable for transporting production fluid, such as oil and / or gas and / or water, from an underwater location 201 to a floating installation 202. For example, in FIG. 2, submarine location 201 includes an underwater flow line. The flexible flow line 205 comprises flexible piping, totally or partially, resting on the seabed 204 or buried below the seabed and used in a static application. The floating installation can be provided by a platform and / or buoy, or as illustrated in FIG. 2, a ship. The riser assembly 200 is supplied as a flexible riser column, that is, as a flexible piping 203 that connects the ship to the installation on the ocean floor. The flexible tubing can be in segments of the flexible tubing body with end connectors.
    [043] It is appreciated that there are different types of ascension columns, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The modalities of the present invention can be used with any type of ascending column, such as a freely suspended (ascending column with catenary and free), an ascending column restricted to some extent (buoys, chains) or a column of ascension totally restricted or wrapped in a tube (tubes in the form of I or J).
    [044] FIG. 2 also illustrates how the flexible tubing parts can be used as a flow line 205 or an interconnecting flow line 206.
    [045] FIG. 3 illustrates how an end of a segment of the flexible pipe body 100 can be terminated in an end connector 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. End connector 300 includes a generally annular body 301, which has an axially extending inner hole 302. The body of the end connector is made of steel or other such rigid material. The inner hole 302 has a diameter that preferably corresponds to the corresponding inner diameter of the flexible pipe body segment to be terminated at the end connector 300. In use, the production fluid can flow smoothly through the internal hole of the flexible pipe body and the inner hole 302 of the end connector. The body of the end connector 301 at a first end thereof defines an open region, into which a suitably cut end of the flexible tubing body can be introduced during a termination process. A flange region 303 extends externally from the end connector body 301 and is located close to a remaining end region of the end connector body. The flange region forms a connector for connecting the end connector to a plug connector for an additional end connector of an adjacent segment of the flexible tubing, or to a stationary or floating structure or vessel, for example. An end connector jacket 304 is attached to the flange region 303 using a suitable fixing mechanism, such as one or more screws 305. The jacket 304 houses various components of the end connector and helps to protect it. them.
    [046] The flexible pipe body 100 is a multilayered structure, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, comprising at least one housing layer 101, a protective layer 102 and an outer sheath 108. In this embodiment, the flexible tubing body also includes a polymer sealing layer 109 provided around a pressure protection layer 103. The various layers of the flexible tubing body are cut to desired lengths before termination at end connector 300.
    [047] The flexible tubing body is placed together with the open region of the 301 end connector body. The open region has a stepped region 305 to receive a seal ring 3061, and then the housing layer 101 and the protective layer 102. The 3061 sealing ring helps to seal the ends of the housing layer and the protective layer.
    [048] An additional seal element 3062 is located in a generally tapered recess formed between an inner surface of the open region and a radially outer surface of the protective layer 102. The seal element 3062 is generally annular with a tapered edge to suit the end connector body, and can be made of polymer or metal or a mixture of these, for example.
    [049] An internal collar 307 is attached to one end of the open region of the end connector. During the termination process, attaching the internal collar 307 to the end connector 300 will activate the seal ring 3062 on the tapered bottom to provide a good seal. In this embodiment, the inner collar 307 is made of steel and is substantially ring-shaped. In addition, “O” sealing rings can be provided to aid in sealing, preventing a leak path between the inner collar 307 and the connection and end, and said inner collar and an outer collar 308.
    [050] The outer collar 308 can be a FlexlokTM collar available from Wellstream International Limited. The outer collar is supplied radially out of a sealing layer 109 and is attached to the connection and end by one or more screws, for example, via the inner collar 307. An additional sealing element 3063 is located in a recess. tapered between an inner surface of the outer collar 308 and a radially outer surface of the seal layer 109. The seal ring 3063 can be a FlexlokTM ring available, for example, from Wellstream International Limited.
    [051] Additional layers of the flexible tubing body, which rest radically outside the sealing layer 109, are terminated in desired lengths within a cavity 309 defined between an inner surface of the jacket 304, the body of the end connector 301 and the sealing layer 109. In this embodiment, the cavity 309 is filled with a resin material to help secure the layers of the flexible tubing body to the end connector. An outer sheath 108 is attached between a collar 310 and the end connector jacket 304.
    [052] It is appreciated that the protective layer 102 and the sealing layer 109, which is coaxial with the protective layer 102, form an elongated annular region between them. In the present embodiment, this annular region contains the pressure protection layer 103, but it could include additional layers, such as protective wires and layers of tape, depending on the model of the flexible pipe body.
    [053] Similarly, the sealing layer 109 and the outer sheath 108, which is coaxial with the sealing layer 109, form a long annular region between them. In this modality, this additional annular region contains the layers of protection against traction. Again, this annular region could contain other layers, such as protective wires and layers of tape, depending on the model of the flexible tubing body.
    [054] As mentioned above, when production fluids, such as gas or liquids containing gas, are transported through flexible tubing, over time, the gas can permeate through the fluid retention layer (protective layer) and accumulate in the annular region. With two annular regions, the gas could first accumulate in the internal annular region, before the pressure accumulates and the gas migrates through the seal layer to the external annular region. Any buildup of pressure in an annular region is detrimental to the construction of the flexible tubing body and could shorten the life or cause complete failure of the flexible tubing.
    [055] In the present embodiment, a ventilation flow fluid communication path (or “ventilation path”) 311 to ventilate an internal annular region 312 of the flexible tubing body is formed through end connector 300 between the inner annular region 312 and an outer surface of said end connector 300. A passage is conducted through the inner collar 307 and an additional passage is conducted through the outer collar 308. These passages are formed to connect the inner annular region 312 to a tubular duct 313 provided in cavity 309. Tubular duct 313 extends from the connection with the passage in the outer collar to a connection with the additional passage 314 in the flange region 303 of the end connector. An enlarged view of the ventilation path in the section identified as DETAIL D is shown in FIG. 7.
    [056] Passage 314 conducted from the connection with the tubular duct 313 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and then turns 90o towards an exit point on the side of the end connector. An enlarged view of the ventilation path 311 in the section identified as DETAIL B is shown in FIG. 5. Ventilation path 311 additionally includes a valve 315 located in a recess 316 in the end connector. Valve 315 is a non-return valve of a mechanical type that opens when a small pressure difference is created through the vent valve. This pressure difference can be configured around 0.2 MPa (2 bar). The accumulated gas can vent due to an internal pressure that is greater than a pressure downstream of the vent valve (that is, after the vent valve in terms of the gas being vented from the annular region to a output). The 315 non-return valve provided in the vent path helps prevent or inhibit gas from returning to the annular region inside the end connector.
    [057] The drawing on the left side of FIG. 3 shows a view of end connector 300 in a section orthogonal to the view shown on the right side of FIG. 3. An enlarged view of the ventilation path in the section identified as DETAIL C is shown in FIG. 6. As seen from the drawing on the left side of FIG. 3, the end connector of the present embodiment actually includes 3 separate ventilation paths fluidly connected to the internal annular region of the flexible tubing body. The provision of 3 ventilation paths is simply for redundancy and helps to maintain the function of the ventilation path avoiding possible blockage, for example. However, a single ventilation path, or any number of ventilation paths, could be used equally.
    [058] With respect again to FIG. 3, a ventilation flow fluid (or "ventilation path") communication path 318 for ventilating an external annular region 319 of the flexible tubing body is formed through end connector 300 between the external annular region 319 and an outer surface of the end connector 300. A passage is conducted through the end connector jacket 304 from an end region of the jacket furthest from the flange region. The passage is conducted radially out of the bore region and then turned 90o to run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. As can be seen in FIG. 3, this passage is actually formed by two passages provided at 90o that interconnect at a junction, with the redundant sections of the passages being blocked by the plug members, or similar. Partially along jacket 304, the passage emerges from said jacket and is connected to a tubular duct 320 located in cavity 309. The tubular duct extends from the connection with the passage in the jacket to a connection with an additional passage 321 in the 303 flange region of the end connector. These passages 318, 320, 321 connect the outer annular region 319 with the outer region of end connector 300. The exhaust gas can migrate from the outer annular region 319 through cavity 309 to the passages. Cavity 309 can be filled with resin, in which case a ventilation duct could be placed in the cavity before filling with resin, such that the duct could fluidly connect the external annular region with the passages.
    [059] An enlarged view of the ventilation path 318 in the section identified as DETAIL A is shown in FIG. 4. Ventilation path 318 additionally includes a valve 322 located in outlet port 323 of the end connector. Valve 322 is a non-return valve of a mechanical type that opens when a small pressure difference is created through the ventilation valve. This pressure difference can be configured around 0.2 MPa (2 bar). The accumulated gas can vent due to an internal pressure that is higher than the pressure downstream of the ventilation valve. The non-return valve 322 provided in the vent path helps to prevent or inhibit gas from returning to the internal annular region from the end connector.
    [060] During operation, the gas accumulated in the annular spaces of the flexible pipe can be expelled to a burner system above sea level, for example, via the exhaust passages. A first path is provided by the inner annular region 312, passages in the inner collar 307 and in the outer collar 308, tubular duct 313 and passage 314. Passage 314 can be connected to a tubular duct that takes the exhaust gas to a burner system or another suitable exit point or collection point. A second passage is provided by the outer annular region 319, through the passage in jacket 304, tubular duct 320 and passage 321. Again, passage 321 can be connected to a tubular duct to carry the exhaust gas to a burner system or another suitable exit point or collection point.
    [061] In this mode, the device is arranged in such a way that the gas is prevented from mixing completely between the annular regions, with each annular space provided with a separate ventilation path to expel any accumulated gas. Each ventilation path has a non-return valve to help prevent gas from returning to the respective annular region. However, each of the ventilation paths could be supplied alternatively without a non-return valve.
    [062] A schematic diagram, showing the ventilation paths described above in relation to the first modality, is shown in FIG. 12. Each ventilation path is shown as a suitable path to vent gas from the annular space on the right, flowing towards the outlet point on the left, via a non-return valve.
    [063] A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. The second modality shares several similar characteristics with the first modality described above, and these characteristics will not be described again. However, the apparatus of the second embodiment includes a first ventilation path 411 connected to an internal annular region of a flexible pipe body, and an additional ventilation path 418 connected to an external annular region of said flexible pipe body, with the first ventilation path being connected to the second ventilation path. With this arrangement, the first ventilation path and the additional ventilation path vent gas to a single outlet point outside the end connector.
    [064] In more detail, the first ventilation path 411 extends from the internal annular region to the 403 flange region in a passage similar to that described above with respect to mode 1. Within the 403 flange region, a passage 414 it is conducted from the connection with the tubular duct 413 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubing, and then turns 90o towards an exit point on the side of the end connector. However, that exit point is blocked by a plug member. The additional ventilation path 418 extends from the outer annular region to the flange region in a passage similar to that described above in relation to mode 1. Within the flange region 403, a passage 421 connects the tubular duct 420 with the outside of the end connector and extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piping.
    [065] Passage 414 reaches passage 421 at a junction 424 within the flange region, such that the two passages are connected fluidly. Junction 424 can be seen in Section C-C of FIG. 8. As such, gas can be expelled from both the internal annular region and the external annular region to an exit point via the junction and the passage section 421.
    [066] Ventilation path 418 includes a non-return valve at a point upstream of junction 424 (that is, before the junction in terms of the flake gas flowing from the annular region to the exit point, or between the annular region and the junction). Ventilation path 411 does not include a non-return valve upstream of junction 424. However, the additional non-return valve is located in outlet port 423 of the end connector (downstream of junction 424).
    [067] In this mode, the device is arranged in such a way that the exhaust gas from the internal and external annular regions is prevented from entering the external annular region through a non-return valve. An additional non-return valve located in a position downstream from where the two ventilation paths come together generally guarantees that the gas will be prevented from returning to the internal annular region.
    [068] A schematic diagram, showing the ventilation paths described above with respect to the second modality, is shown in FIG. 13.
    [069] A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 9. The third modality shares many characteristics similar to the first and second modality described above, and these characteristics will not be described again. However, in this embodiment, a first ventilation path 511 and a second ventilation path 518 to ventilate the inner and outer annular regions, respectively, extend towards a common chamber located at the end connector, from which a a single outlet ventilation path is conducted outside said end connector.
    [070] In more detail, the first ventilation path 511 extends from the inner annular region to the flange region 503 in a passage similar to that described above with respect to mode 1. Within the flange region 503, a passage 514 it is conducted from the connection with the tubular duct 513 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Passage 514 reaches a chamber 525 located within the flange region 503, said chamber being a hollow annular cavity within the flange region extending concentric with the flange region 503 and the inner hole 502 of the connector. far end. An enlarged view of the ventilation path 511 in the section identified as DETAIL B is shown in FIG. 11.
    [071] The second ventilation path 518 extends from the external annular region to the flange region 503 in a passage similar to that described above with respect to mode 1. Within the flange region 503, a passage 521 is conducted from the connection with the tubular duct 520 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Passage 521 reaches a chamber 525 within the flange region. An enlarged view of the ventilation path 518 in the section identified as DETAIL A is shown in FIG. 10.
    [072] Ventilation path 511 includes a non-return valve 515 located in a position along passage 514, at a point upstream of chamber 525 (that is, before the chamber in terms of gas flowing from from the annular region to an exit point). The ventilation path 518 includes a non-return valve (not shown) in a position along the passage 521, at a point upstream of the chamber 525.
    [073] An additional passage 526 extends through the flange region 503 from chamber 525 to an outlet port 523, allowing gas to be expelled from the common chamber to an outlet point.
    [074] The device additionally includes a valve 527 located in the outlet port 523 of the end connector.
    [075] A schematic diagram, showing the ventilation paths described above with respect to the third modality, is shown in FIG. 14.
    [076] In this mode, the device is arranged in such a way that the gas expelled from the internal or external annular regions is prevented from returning to each of the respective annular regions through a non-return valve. An additional non-return valve located in a position downstream of chamber 525 generally ensures that the exhaust gas remains flowing away from the flexible pipe body and towards an outlet point.
    [077] With the apparatus described above, a flexible tubing body with two annular regions can be vented to prevent gas from accumulating in the annular regions by overpressurizing the tubing.
    [078] In addition, as the exhaust gases never return to the outer annular space, any wire or metal parts supplied within the outer annular region can be formed of sweet wires. This is because the gas containing H2O or CO2, for example, will generally be vented away from the inner annular region and will not reach the outer annular region. In general, acidic gases will be filtered as the gas migrates from the pipe bore to the internal annular space, and is then filtered again as the gas migrates from the internal annular space to the external annular space. Replacing acidic wires in a known flexible pipe with at least some sweet wires will provide benefits in terms of the weight of the pipe and the required amount of materials.
    [079] Various modifications to the detailed models described above are possible. For example, it is appreciated that fluid communication passages do not need to be directed specifically as described above and as shown in the attached drawings. For example, the internal annular region could be connected to the outside of the end connector via a passage that is conducted directly through the end connector body. Similarly, the outlet ports where the ventilation path emerges from the end connector could be provided on either side of said end connector (front, rear or side) and are not limited to the end face and the side face, as shown in the drawings.
    [080] It is appreciated that any number of ventilation valves can be supplied in the ventilation paths from the annular regions to the exit point (s). On the contrary, some modalities may require that less or no ventilation valve is present for the gas to be expelled.
    [081] The non-return valves described above have been described to open when a pressure difference of 0.2 MPa (2 bar) is created through the vent valve. However, other valves could be used, and other pressure differences greater than or less than 0.2 MPa (2 bar) could be used, such as a valve that opens with a pressure difference of 0.5 MPa (5 bar), for example.
    [082] Furthermore, it has been described above that a tubular duct can be connected to an outlet port of the end connector of the ventilation paths, in such a way that the accumulated gas can be removed from the flexible pipe body. Certainly this could be any suitable pipeline, such as a rubber hose, or alternatively the gas could be expelled directly into seawater. Alternatively, the duct or passageway could be directed through the flexible tubing itself, rather than being external to the flexible tubing.
    [083] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the characteristics described in relation to any of the modalities described above can be applied interchangeably between the different modalities. The modalities described above are examples to illustrate the various characteristics of the invention.
    [084] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "understand" and "contain" and variations of these indicate "include but not limited to", and they are not intended to exclude other portions, additives, components, integers and steps . Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification will be understood as considering the plurality, as well as the singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
    [085] Characteristics, integers, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described together with a particular aspect, modality or example of the invention will be understood as applicable to any aspect, modality or example described here, unless incompatible with those . All features described in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so described, may be combined in any combination, except for combinations where at least any such characteristics and / or stages are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any of the foregoing modalities. The invention extends to any new modality, or any new combination of the characteristics described in this specification (including any attached claim, summary and drawings), or any new modality, or any new combination of the steps of any method or process described here .
    [086] The reader's attention is directed to all publications and documents that are deposited simultaneously with this specification or prior to this specification, together with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such publications and documents are incorporated here by reference.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [0001]
    1. End connector (300) suitable for venting gas from the annular spaces of a flexible tubing body (100) connected to it, which comprises: a first ventilation flow fluid communication path (311, 411 , 511) to connect, in fluid communication, an internal annular region (312) of the flexible tubing body and an outlet port (314, 414, 526) outside the end connector (300), FEATURED by the fact that it further comprises a fluid communication path of the additional ventilation flow (318, 418, 518) for connecting, in fluid communication, to an external annular region of the flexible tubing body (100) and said outlet port (526) or an additional outlet port (321) outside the end connector (300); and a non-return valve (322) provided on the way in additional ventilation flow fluid communication (318, 418, 518) to inhibit gas entry into the outer annular region from the end connector (300).
    [0002]
    2. End connector (300) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (318, 418, 518) is suitable for connecting, in fluid communication, the region external ring of the flexible pipe body and the said exit port (314, 414, 526).
    [0003]
    3. End connector (300) according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (418, 518) is fluidly connected to the first ventilation flow fluid communication path (411, 511).
    [0004]
    4. End connector (300) according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the non-return valve (322) is provided in the additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (418, 518), in a location between the external annular space and a section of said additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (418, 518), in which the first ventilation flow fluid communication path (411, 511) is connect with it; and comprises an additional non-return valve provided at a location between said outlet port and the section of the additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (418, 518), in which the first flow flow communication path ventilation (411, 511) connects to it.
    [0005]
    5. End connector (300) according to any of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises a camera region (525) inside the end connector (300), where the first communication path of ventilation flow fluid and the additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (511, 518) each connect their respective annular space to the chamber region (525), and where the chamber region (525) is connected flowing to said exit port (523).
    [0006]
    6. End connector (300) according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises an additional non-return valve provided on the first ventilation flow fluid communication path (311, 411, 511) to inhibit the entry of the gas in the internal annular space and in the end connector (300).
    [0007]
    7. End connector (300) according to claim 1, FEATURED by the fact that the additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (318) is suitable for connecting, in fluid communication, the external annular region of the body flexible tubing and the additional outlet port (321) outside the end connector (300).
    [0008]
    8. End connector (300) according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises an additional non-return valve provided in the first ventilation flow fluid communication path (318) to prevent gas from entering the annular space internal from the end connector (300).
    [0009]
    9. End connector (300) according to any of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each one of the first ventilation flow fluid communication path and the flow fluid communication path Additional ventilation flow comprises a fluid conducting tube element (313, 320, 413, 420, 513, 520).
    [0010]
    10. End connector (300) according to any of claims 1 to 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the end connector (300) comprises a cup-shaped body part (301) comprising a mouth region open at one end of it, on which the flexible tubing body (100) is located.
    [0011]
    11. Flexible tubing, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises an end connector (300) as defined in any of the preceding claims, and a flexible tubing body (100) comprising an inner annular region (312) and an external annular region (319).
    [0012]
    12. Flexible tubing according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises a fluid retention layer defining a hole through which transfer fluids can be transferred, an outer sheath layer (108) defining a outer surface of the flexible tubing body (108), and a sealing layer provided between the fluid retention layer and the outer sheath layer, with an internal annular space between the fluid retention layer and the sealing layer , and an external annular space between the sealing layer and the outer sheath layer (108).
    [0013]
    13. Ascension column, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises the flexible tubing as defined in claim 11 or 12.
    [0014]
    14. Method for providing an end connector (300), as defined in claim 1, suitable for venting gas from annular spaces of a flexible pipe body (100) connected thereto, which comprises a step of: providing a first ventilation flow fluid communication path (311, 411, 511) to connect, in fluid communication, an internal annular region (312) of the flexible tubing body (100) and an outlet port (314, 414, 526) outside the end connector, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises: providing an additional ventilation flow fluid communication path (318, 418, 518) to connect, in fluid communication, a region external annular of the flexible pipe body (100) and said outlet port (526) or an additional outlet port (321) on the outside of the end connector (300); and providing a non-return valve (322) on the way in communication of additional ventilation flow fluid (318, 418, 518) to inhibit gas entry into the outer annular region from the end connector (300).
    [0015]
    15. Method for venting gas from the annular spaces of a flexible pipe, which comprises a step of: connecting, in fluid communication, an internal annular region of the flexible pipe body (100) and an outlet port (314, 414 , 526) of an end connector assembly, as defined in claim 1, in which an end of said flexible tubing body (100) is terminated CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also includes: connecting, in fluid communication an external annular region of the flexible tubing body and said outlet port (526) or an additional outlet port (321) of the end connector assembly; and inhibit the entry of gas into the outer annular region from the end connector assembly via a non-return valve (322).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US9546751B2|2017-01-17|
    US20140124076A1|2014-05-08|
    DK2729723T3|2015-07-20|
    WO2013005000A2|2013-01-10|
    EP2729723A2|2014-05-14|
    BR112014000155A2|2017-02-21|
    CN103782079B|2016-06-08|
    WO2013005000A3|2013-03-14|
    CN103782079A|2014-05-07|
    GB201111371D0|2011-08-17|
    MY172460A|2019-11-26|
    EP2729723B1|2015-07-01|
    AU2012280112A1|2014-02-06|
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    法律状态:
    2017-07-18| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: GE OIL AND GAS UK LIMITED (GB) |
    2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-09-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-04-28| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-10-06| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-12-22| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 27/04/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    GB1111371.9|2011-07-04|
    GB201111371A|GB201111371D0|2011-07-04|2011-07-04|Gas venting|
    PCT/GB2012/050945|WO2013005000A2|2011-07-04|2012-04-27|Gas venting|
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